AGRIOS prepares the guidelines each year on the basis of the national guidelines for integrated cultivation and with consideration of the latest findings from research and practice. These guidelines are then submitted to the responsible national committee for examination. Only after the committee has verified that the AGRIOS guidelines are in conformance with the national requirements are the guidelines approved by decree of the Provincial Council for Agriculture.

The expression “integrated production” refers to an agricultural production system for foods in which natural resources are used in a sustainable fashion and aids such as fertilizers and plant protectants are used with care. It is a natural and sustainable method of cultivation in which the focus is on human health and environmental friendliness. The use of chemical and synthetic agents is reduced to a minimum, and fertilizers are used efficiently.